The Kenneth Petrie Collection

A Great War 1917 ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of four awarded to Lance Sergeant J. Ashcroft, 1/5th Battalion, Royal Lancaster Regiment, late Cheshire Regiment, who was killed in action during the Third Battle of Ypres, 20 September 1917

Military Medal, G.V.R. (243994 L. Cpl J. Ashcroft. 1/5 R. Lanc: R. - T.F.); 1914-15 Star (2515 Pte. J. Ashcroft. Ches. R.); British War and Victory Medals (2515 Cpl. J. Ashcroft. Ches. R.) contact marks, therefore nearly very fine (4) £360-£440

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Kenneth Petrie Collection.

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M.M. London Gazette 26 April 1917:

‘About 6.45pm on the 9th March 1917 the enemy exploded a mine near Railway Wood. This N.C.O. was in charge of a Lewis Gun team, he got his gun into action, in the open, on the flank from which the enemy’s fire was most severe. He handled his gun with great boldness and skill and reduced the enemy’s fire which was hindering the work. When his gun became very hot he returned to the trench and brought out another gun to replace it.’

Joseph Ashcroft was the son of Mrs and Mrs W. Ashcroft of Didsbury, Manchester, and the husband of Theresa Ashcroft of 32 Cambridge Street, Heaviley, Stockport. He served during the Great War with the Cheshire Regiment in the French theatre of war from 17 February 1915. Ashcroft subsequently transferred to the 1/5th Battalion, Royal Lancaster Regiment, with whom he was serving for his M.M. action. Ashcroft advanced to Lance Sergeant, and was killed in action on the Western Front, 20 September 1917.

Lance Sergeant Ashcroft is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

Sold with original typed copy of citation for M.M., dated 31 March 1917; and 15 postcards written to recipient from his wife and son.